Porthcawl RNLI volunteers will be on call 24/7 during the town’s annual Elvis Festival, just like every other day of the year and will be ready to drop everything to launch the charity’s lifeboats at a moments notice.

The volunteer crew are urging anyone putting on their blue suede shoes and heading to Porthcawl this weekend to take care, pay attention to their personal safety and look out for their mates.

Porthcawl RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Andrew Walmsley said:

‘It’s now or never for Elvis fans and we want everyone coming to Porthcawl during the festival to have fun but most importantly, to stay safe. Never enter the water under the influence of alcohol.

‘Porthcawl’s Trecco Bay is the only beach which will have RNLI lifeguards on patrol this weekend between 10am – 6pm. So if you are planning to go in the water this weekend, we advise you do it on this beach during lifeguard patrol hours. This is also the final weekend of RNLI lifeguard patrols in our area for this season.

‘Sea temperatures are starting to get cooler, so remember, wise men say only fools rush in.

‘When visiting the beach this autumn and winter, please take note of safety signage at the entrance to the beach which will warn of the local risks and hazards. Check weather conditions and tide times. Consider your capabilities, if in doubt it is better to stay dry and watch the sea than take the risk.

‘Ensure you carry a means of contact such as a mobile phone and wear a wetsuit of appropriate thickness for the amount of time you plan to spend in the water and the type of activity you’re doing.

‘Having company at the beach could help in the event of an emergency so don’t go alone, always let someone know where you are heading and an estimated time you will be back.

‘We’re aware that cold water dipping is becoming increasingly popular. We strongly advise that you should never do this alone. As we get further into the winter months and the temperature continues to drop, the risk of cold-water shock will increase.

‘If you find yourself in difficulty in the water remember Float to Live:

  • Tilt your head back with ears submerged
  • Relax and try to control your breathing
  • Use your hands to help you stay afloat
  • It’s OK if your legs sink
  • Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.

‘If you see someone in difficulty, or you get into difficulty yourself, please call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’